Atlus staff have shared new information on the upcoming RPG Metaphor: ReFantazio, detailing the game’s world, systems, cast, and more.
Metaphor: ReFantazio occurs in a nation comprised of three countries of eight tribes, called the United Kingdom of Euchronia. The people of this fantasy world have fantasies of their own. Naturally, the player and the game characters view each other’s worlds as impossible and can only exist as stories.
“In this world, there is only one tribe. All people accept each other, and no soul is born into discrimination. In such a world, there is no need for sorcery.
A megapolis is built through learning and labour. Towers of glass that reach the heavens. Safe nights with no dark shadows. Busy streets well travelled.
And in the laws of these emotionally satisfied people, it reads: All lives are equal.”
Anxiety is a core concept that this game will explore. Archetypes are secret, primordial powers that awaken when facing one’s fear and anxiety. They can also be viewed as the dormant nature of a hero within one’s heart.
The residents of Euchronia can’t use magic on their own, requiring special tools called igniters, which necessitate license ownership. Somehow, the protagonist and his allies gain the capability to use magic without the need for igniters.
The tribes of Euchronia have clearly different physical characteristics, with their cultural differences being the focus of the narrative. Their different ideologies and beliefs shape their divisions rather than appearances. Alas, their future is influenced by birth.
The Clemar Tribe has the largest population across the allied kingdoms, growing horns on the two sides of their heads. Their facial and body types highly differ, and the Euchronian royal family are Clemar themselves. Consequently, this tribe holds many vital government positions, with many internalizing that their tribe is the most preeminent. Further, they value freedom and discussion while disliking illogical restraint. However, they aren’t always socially cognizant of the right place or right time, leading to situations where a lack of appropriate talks can cause significant conflict.
The Roussainte Tribe has the second highest population next to the Clemar and has long, pointed ears while being in terrific physical shape. The women are typically stronger than the men of other tribes, and many of the Roussainte Tribe work in the military and key offices. Alongside the Clemar, they’re considered the “prevailing tribes.” This tribe’s great physical strength grants them both self-discipline with competition and an obsessive desire for superiority.
The Rhoag Tribe has longer lifespans to the extent of living twice as long as the average age of other tribes. Their aging occurs at the same pace until they reach adolescence, where the majority of their lives are spent in middle and old age. As a result of their old age, they tend to occupy high positions in society and highly value passing down knowledge. This can cause them to retain grudges and favors for even three generations. The markings on their faces are not natural, as they’re instead formed by traditional make-up.
The Ishkia Tribe has avian wings, almond eyes, and long eyelashes. They populate the kingdoms the least but are highly intelligent, giving them a pronounced presence in various large-scale cities. Thanks to their intellect, they’re usually wealthy, which grants them opportunities as scholars and sanctors. Further, while the Ishkia are respected, they can have a habit of speaking down to others, resulting in some bad blood.
The Nidia Tribe has bright eyes and hair while also being sociable and skilled at performing flattery. This has caused some to have the perception that they’re not trustworthy.
The Paripus Tribe has bestial ears and tails, with several variations in hair and skin colors. Additionally, their population is roughly equivalent to the Clemar and Roussainte Tribes. The Paripus are physically strong and transparent with their emotions, often making them seen as pursuers of self-indulgence. This trait is exemplified by their frequent attendance at parties and festivals. Other tribes see their behavior as reckless, initiating persecution and preventing them from gaining stability and power in politics.
The Mustari Tribe has third eyes and wears masks and other eccentric attire that’s culturally impactful. Their unique faith has caused them to face persecution and be labeled as “pagans.” Their people are not low in number but are difficult to encounter, as they mostly live by the inland sea in an archipelago.
The humans of this game are designed based on the work of the fantasy Renaissance-era artist Hieronymus Bosch, said to be the first artist who drew monsters on a world stage. Humans have strange forms and are monsters who rampage indiscriminately, making them berserkers of sorts with considerable physical resistance. Yet, despite their seemingly meager intelligence, they can still utilize a high level of magic beyond the scope of all sentient beings. Their biology and ecology are mysterious; large variations can take out whole armies.
One such human is Homo Gorleo, who attacked a fortress and decimated its troops in the wastelands north of Royal Capital Grand Trad. Another human is Homo Avades, who has an eggshell-like body. They are massive in size and can level an entire city.
The sole commonality among humans is what seems to be elements in particular parts of their biology.
Metaphor: ReFantazio follows the protagonist, who is a member of the elda tribe, a hated minority and unrecognized by many. He and his fairy partner, Gallica, set off on a quest to break the curse placed on the kingdom’s prince, who many believed was dead. However, to break the curse, one must kill the person who cast the spell in the first place.
Over a decade has passed since the prince’s assassination, and the king recently faced his demise from an attack. Everyone wonders who will lead the state religion, the Sanctist Church. Amid this curiosity, a spell at the king’s funeral is cast, and a Day of the Hero on a certain October day will determine the next ruler. This royal tournament, in which anyone can compete for the throne.
Atlus Studio Zero Creative Director Katsura Hashino shared the following visionary statement:
This work was created with the simple message that “only by facing our anxieties can we take the first step forward.“
As long as society continues to be composed of individuals, I want to believe in the dynamism of “creation” that has the power to change someone. While tackling this genre for the first time, I came to realize that perhaps this is the original meaning of “fantasy” — and the reason why so many people have always been intuitively attracted to it.
But I’ll dispense with the philosophical talk for now by pointing out that unifying goal for the entire development team was for the player to have “fun, above all else.” Thank you for your continued support.
You can view new English Metaphor: ReFantazio English screenshots via our gallery below:
You can view new Metaphor: ReFantazio artwork via our gallery below:
Metaphor: ReFantazio takes place in the United Kingdom of Euchronia, a land plunged into turmoil following the assassination of its king. The story takes a dramatic turn when the Royal Magic, a mystical power previously known only to the king, is unexpectedly invoked, sparking a grand royal tournament to determine the next ruler.
Amidst this tumultuous backdrop, the protagonist, alongside their partner, the fairy Galica, embarks on a quest to lift a curse cast upon the prince, believed by the kingdom to be deceased. Their journey spans the expansive lands of Euchronia, revealing that their mission is intricately tied to the ongoing tournament for the throne. To succeed, they must forge alliances with a diverse array of friends and followers from the various tribes that inhabit this world, each with their own unique contributions to the unfolding narrative.
Metaphor: ReFantazio was also known as Project Re Fantasy for several years. The game is being developed by the team behind Persona 3, Persona 4, and Persona 5. This truly does look like a next-generation JRPG experience. It’s also taken notes from the Shin Megami Tensei series. The director is Katsura Hashino, and the composer is Shoji Meguro.
Director Katsura Hashino stated in a previous message that this game is a third pillar for Atlus. One key phrase for the game is “Facing your fear.” Character designer Shigenori Soejima said they wanted an androgynous and heroic protagonist. Composer Shoji Meguro confirmed the game uses a score inspired by hymns and Buddhist prayers in its soundtrack.
The combat of Metaphor: ReFantazio will feature shifting from action to turn-based like Nihon Falcom’s The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak, known as Kuro no Kiseki in Japan.
Metaphor: ReFantazio will launch for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Steam, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC in Fall 2024.
